America's Cup winning skipper James Spithill forgotten for Sydney to Hobart - Courier Mail

Oracle's America's Cup-winning Australian helmsman James Spithill. Source: AFP

HE may have won the America's Cup by orchestrating one of sports great comebacks but sailing hero James Spithill has revealed he hasn't had a single offer to do this year's Sydney to Hobart.

World sailing's hottest property also confirmed he has been approached by numerous teams to do the next America's Cup - although not Bob Oatley's Australian campaign - but said he is close to re-signing on the dotted line with American billionaire Larry Ellison and his Oracle team.

Oracle Team USA skipper James Spithill celebrates with the America's Cup trophy after this year’s epic win. Source: AFP

"Oracle is where I really expect to be,'' Spithill told The Daily Telegraph.

"I expect to have some news by Christmas.''

But while he is set to sail in the America's Cup again, Spithill has denied scuttlebutt he will be on one of five supermaxis preparing for the 69th Sydney to Hobart.

"I actually haven't had any offers,'' Spithill revealed from the US.

"I plan to be on my couch with a beer in one hand, watching the fleet sail up the harbour and then flicking across to the cricket on Boxing Day.''

Spithill will return to his hometown of Sydney for a brief holiday with family over Christmas before returning to the US.

The man who steered Oracle Team USA to a 9-8 victory over Team New Zealand to win his second America's Cup said he is delighted Hamilton island is the Record of Challenger for the next Cup, at a place and time still to be determined.

Oracle Team USA skippered by James Spithill competes in the final fleet race during the America's Cup. Source: AFP

"It is just great to have them back and it is awesome the Oatleys are the ones behind it,'' said Spithill, whose family home on Sydney's Northern Beaches is not far from patriarch Bob Oatley's.

It is speculated Spithill's close mate Joey Newton and also Newcastle young gun Kyle Langford will rejoin the Oracle team for the next America's Cup.

Spithill's tactician Tom Slingsby, competing in his first Sydney to Hobart this year on Perpetual Loyal this year, has already signed on with Oracle for the next challenge.